No. 3 Virginia rallies from halftime deficit to defeat No. 14 Wright State 82–73 in NCAA opener

PHILADELPHIA — No. 3 seed Virginia didn’t make it easy, but the Cavaliers steadied themselves after a shaky first half and ultimately prevailed 82–73 over No. 14 seed Wright State on March 20, 2026 at Xfinity Mobile Arena (Wells Fargo Center) in Philadelphia, powered by Jacari White’s season-high 26 points.

After trailing 43–38 at halftime, Virginia delivered the defining response of the game—outscoring Wright State 44–30 in the second half to turn early trouble into a controlled finish.

A tale of two halves

Wright State came out confident and aggressive, riding early shot-making to build a five-point halftime lead and put real pressure on the Cavaliers. Virginia spent much of the opening 20 minutes searching for rhythm and answers.

Those answers arrived after the break. Virginia exploded for 44 points in the second half, outscoring Wright State 44–30 while clamping down defensively and preventing the Raiders from sustaining the same perimeter rhythm they found early.

Virginia’s adjustments made the difference

This wasn’t a low-scoring defensive slog; it was a higher-scoring opener where Virginia’s ability to adapt decided it. The Cavaliers tightened their contests, executed with more purpose in the half court, and dominated the glass 39–24—turning extra possessions into separation down the stretch.

Wright State still had individual production—Michael Imariagbe posted a 19-point, 10-rebound double-double—but Virginia’s composure and second-half efficiency proved too much to overcome.

Game context

The opener followed a familiar March script: a dangerous underdog landing the first punch, a favorite absorbing it, then responding with steadiness and adjustments. It also marked Virginia’s tournament opener under head coach Ryan Odom, with the Cavaliers showing resilience when the game demanded it.

Key team numbers

• Final: Virginia 82, Wright State 73

• Halftime: Wright State 43, Virginia 38

• Second half: Virginia 44, Wright State 30

• Rebounds: Virginia 39, Wright State 24

• Virginia 3PT: 13–26 (50%)

• Records: Virginia 30–5, Wright State 23–12

Virginia’s hot shooting from deep (13-of-26) and +15 rebounding edge fueled the second-half comeback, with the Cavaliers’ 39–24 advantage creating crucial extra possessions. Full box score (FG%, turnovers, points in the paint, player stats, and more) is available on ESPN, CBS Sports, or NCAA.com. A gritty, if not glamorous, March win—precisely the kind of resilient performance Virginia needed to advance.